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City of Missoula, Montana Item to be Referred to City Council Committee Committee: Administration and Finance Item: Lobbyist Services Date: November 5, 2010 Prepared by: Bruce Bender and Staff Initiated by: Mayor John Engen Action Required: Approve a contract for professional lobbyist services during the 2011 Legislative Session. Recommended Motion: I move the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Gallatin Public Affairs for lobbyist services during the 2011 Legislative Session in the amount of $20,000. Timeline: Referral to committee: November 5, 2010 Committee discussion: November 10, 2010 Contract Award: November 15, 2010 Background and Alternatives Explored: An RFQ (request for qualifications) was released on November 21, 2008 seeking Helena-based lobbyist services to ensure adequate representation of Missoula’s interests during the Montana State Legislature. Gallatin Public Affairs scored highest of the three firms based on the firm’s lobbying experience, knowledge of issues in Missoula, experience with municipal governments, and the Montana State Legislature. Three Helena firms responded to the RFQ, including Pat Keim & Associates, the legal firm of Gough, Shanahan, Johnson and Waterman, and Gallatin Public Affairs. Each firm demonstrated corporate and governmental lobbying experience. Gallatin Public Affairs achieved successful representation of City interests during the 2009 State Legislature, and a contract was re-negotiated with GPA to represent City interests during the 2011 State Legislature. The 2009 fee level, $20,000, was re-negotiated for 2011. Financial Implications: Spending authority was approved during the 2011 budget process under Non Departmental. The Legislative budget is $21,000. Attachments: Contract 2010 League Resolutions 2011 Top Legislative Issues Legislation of Note From 2009 Session RFQ Proposals and Scoring Summary